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Participatory function allocation in manufacturing
Author(s) -
Kleiner Brian M.,
Shewchuk John P.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
human factors and ergonomics in manufacturing and service industries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.408
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1520-6564
pISSN - 1090-8471
DOI - 10.1002/hfm.1010
Subject(s) - sociotechnical system , task (project management) , function (biology) , exploratory research , computer science , think aloud protocol , operations research , exploratory analysis , management science , process management , knowledge management , engineering , human–computer interaction , data science , systems engineering , sociology , usability , evolutionary biology , anthropology , biology
Abstract Much of the allocation of functions in manufacturing environments has been technologically driven, leaving leftover tasks for humans to perform and failing to consider sociotechnical characteristics. An exploratory experiment is reported that sought a greater empirical understanding of participation in function allocation. The experiment involved student‐based design teams charged with allocating functions for a real‐life inspection task. Specific techniques such as the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and the “think aloud” problem‐solving technique were seen as useful to augment function allocation methodologies. Results suggest that design teams may be more effective than individuals for the task of function allocation in manufacturing. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.